Food Dispensing Machine with Coupled Head and Cup Shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for preparing and dispensing liquid or pasty foods lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the position of the head and container rest relative to each other, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming operations, especially when handling containers of varying sizes.
Innovation Solution
A machine design where the head and container rest are both movable in height, connected by a device allowing concomitant movement along opposite trajectories, enabling them to come together or move apart efficiently, thereby reducing the height movement strokes and time required for preparation and distribution, with optional manual or automated actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the head position is fixed and only the container rest is movable, then the structure is simpler, but the adjustment time and operational complexity increase when handling containers of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making both the head and container rest movable instead of fixed. The head can move vertically along guide rails, and the container rest can also move independently. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different container sizes and positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the head and container rest move independently, then positioning precision is improved, but the operation time and manual handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of head and container rest movements through a coupled mechanism. When the container rest moves to adjust container position, the head automatically moves in coordination to maintain optimal working distance. This combined movement reduces manual handling steps and operational time while preserving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the head and container rest. This intermediary component coordinates their movements, ensuring that when one moves, the other responds appropriately. This mediator enables precise positioning while reducing the time required for manual adjustment operations.
3Productivity
If both head and container rest are movable with connection device, then the bringing together time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device utilizes dynamic elements including guide rails for vertical head movement, movable arms with joints for container rest positioning, and coupled motion mechanisms. These dynamic components enable coordinated movement that reduces the time to bring head and container together, improving productivity despite increased structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for preparing and/or dispensing liquid or pasty foods, comprising a frame (2), a head (7) movable relative to the frame (2), and a container rest (6) movable relative to the frame (2), said container rest (6) being arranged under the head (7) and intended to receive a food receiving container. The machine (1) includes a device for linking the movement of the head (7) and the container rest (6), the head (7) and the container rest (6) being movable together in opposite directions between a distant standing position and a close working position. The machine (1) facilitates the movement of the head (7) and the container rest (6) towards and away from each other during the preparation and/or dispensing of food.